The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has asserted that the time to galvanise other plans for the success of 2023 Hajj is now, saying the commission and other stakeholders in Nigerian Hajj industry must remain unrelenting until a hitch-free Hajj is delivered as planned.
These were contained in a release personally signed by the chairman and made available to Tribune Online on Monday.
Hassan stated that NAHCON had accepted the assurances and pledges for cooperation made by state pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions as well as private tour operator companies towards organising a smooth Hajj for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
“We at the Commission accept the assurances and pledges for cooperation made by the representatives of states pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions, and those of private tour operators’ companies towards organising a smooth Hajj for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
“We have collectively reached certain milestones towards this achievement, the time to galvanise other plans for the success of 2023 Hajj is now. Indeed, we must remain unrelenting until we deliver a hitch-free Hajj as planned,” Hassan stated.
While commending King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince, who doubles as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Bin Salman Al Saud, for facilitating early preparations for the 2023 Hajj, the chairman declared that Nigeria had over the years enjoyed a mutual working relationship and support from the Saudi Arabia.
“On behalf of the Nigerian delegation to the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the 2023 Hajj, I have the privilege of appreciating authorities of the Kingdom for the cooperation enjoyed by the Nigerian team.
“Particularly, I commend His Majesty and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; and the Crown Prince that doubles as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Bin Salman Al Saud, for facilitating early preparations for the 2023 year’s Hajj.
“Their approval is a fundamental prelude to success of the season’s pilgrimage. The Muslim world no doubt appreciates the Kingdom for the huge sacrifices it offers in making pilgrims comfortable during Hajj and Umrah, in terms of resources and manpower.
“Truly, Nigeria had over the years enjoyed a mutual working relationship and support from the KSA. We in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) bear witness to this with the exemplary cordial reception accorded to the Nigerian team by the stakeholders of the Hajj and Umrah industry in the kingdom.
“Their commitment and understanding accelerated the signing of favourable deals on behalf of the Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj,” he stated.
Hassan also appreciated the Company for the Mutawwifs of Non-Arab African Countries, otherwise known as Mu’assasa, for earlier releasing refunds for services not rendered to Nigerian pilgrims to the 2022 Hajj, stating that, “we see the Mu’assasa as partners with integrity whose words are their honour.
“Hence, the Mu’assasa under the leadership of Mr. Ahmad Sindy, is perfecting arrangements for the comfort and welfare of Nigeria’s contingent to the 2023 Hajj. NAHCON had never been in doubt of the establishment’s support.
“The same cooperation was accorded to the delegation during its visit to General Authority for Civil Aviation, GACA, received by its General Manager on Hajj Operations, Engr Nazim Pazhair. The support was witnessed at the Adillah Establishment in Madinah; at the Car Syndicate; at the Islamic Development Bank, as well as at the United Agents authorities.”
The NAHCON boss then appreciated the contributions made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubair Dada, and the National Assembly towards the success of this year’s Hajj operations.
“I recognize the contributions made by Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubair Dada, Senate Chairman for Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa and his counterpart from the House Committee on Pilgrimage, Hon. Hassan Nalaraba towards the success of the forthcoming season,” he stated.
Hassan, therefore, assured that the Hajj commission remained committed to a smooth 2023 Hajj, stating that, “NAHCON stands by its commitment to ensuring the realization of a smooth 2023 Hajj.”
